Game Makers Follow Predictable Script

5. Making the PS3 3D?
Sony has now made its console 3D-capable. Of course, such a move
wasn't much of a surprise. The company has been offering 3D technology in its
Bravia line of HDTVs for the past few months. Its decision to offer 3D gaming
only falls in line with its broader strategy of investing heavily in 3D
technology. That said, it seems that it's serious about making 3D an experience
on the PlayStation 3. The company showed off a 3D version of its venerable
franchise Killzone at E3. While Sony didn't provide many details on its future
plans, look for more 3D titles to come to the console in the coming months and
years.

6. Sega makes a comeback

Sega's Dreamcast is widely considered one of the best consoles
ever released. Unfortunately, it was simply ahead of its time. Perhaps that's
why so many people are excited to hear that Sega will be bringing some of its
best Dreamcast games to Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network this year. So
far, Sega has confirmed Sonic Adventure and Crazy Taxi as two titles that will be
making their way to the digital-game libraries. Both titles are playable at E3
and, so far, the critics are happy with what they're seeing.
7. GoldenEye 007 is back
GoldenEye 007, one of the first games to make multiplayer
first-person shooters fun, is making a triumphant return to the Nintendo Wii.
Set to be released this holiday season, the newly updated GoldenEye 007 will
feature all the familiar multiplayer modes that made the game the classic that
it is. But rather than leave Pierce Brosnan, who starred in the film version of
"GoldenEye," in the game, Nintendo announced that Daniel Craig, the
current James Bond actor, will be starring in the title. For now, details on
the game are limited, but old GoldenEye gamers are certainly looking forward to
this title.

8. Big franchises make a showing
E3 is a place where developers can also make a big impact. And
once again, major franchises have helped them achieve that. So far, Nintendo
has shown off a new game in its famed Zelda franchise. Sony has offered up some
details on Killzone 3. And all that fails to mention that Metal Gear Solid will
finally be coming to the Xbox 360, Bungie is planning to release another Halo
game later this year, and Peter Molyneux's Fable franchise is preparing for a
comeback. E3 has been home to some of the biggest and best franchises in gaming
history. That should help industry sales later this year.
9. Few surprises
As attractive as some of the hardware and software look from E3,
the show has so far been unable to deliver many surprises. To some, that might
be a testament to today's gaming companies' inability to keep games secret from
the press. But it might also be indicative of the issues the industry is facing.
With so much money invested in the current consoles, hardware makers are having
a tough time thinking out of the box. And since sequels are far more likely to
turn a profit than new franchises, most game companies can't justify too much
free thought in game development. The days of surprises might be over in the
gaming business.
10. Online gaming from Sony
As
expected, Sony unveiled the PlayStation Plus, a paid online gaming service.
Like Xbox Live Gold, the service will run $49.99 for the year. Those who want
to use it in three-month spurts can pay $17.99 for access. For the most part,
PlayStation Plus will be identical to what Microsoft offers with Xbox Live.
Users can play games online, chat with others, download content and more. Those
who sign up now can receive their first three months of gaming for free.

Don Reisinger is a freelance technology columnist. He started writing about technology for Ziff-Davis' Gearlog.com. Since then, he has written extremely popular columns for CNET.com, Computerworld, InformationWeek, and others. He has appeared numerous times on national television to share his expertise with viewers. You can follow his every move at http://twitter.com/donreisinger.